Future of Keynote Speaking - Business and Career Coach Geneva

Keynote speeches are always about impact, connection, and inspiration. They set the tone and prepare the scene for what’s going to come.

Prior to COVID-19, there was no question that a keynote speaker needed to be in person and physically on stage. During the pandemic, we switched to full online, and nowadays, it is a mix of in-person and virtual, even for keynote speakers. This is going to stay, though the question is whether “how they compare as having an impact and power on the audience of in-person versus online.”

As a professional keynote speaker, I am experiencing both sides of the coin—in person and online—and each has its own positive and not-so-positive aspects. Nothing is perfect.

So, what does the future of keynote speakers look like? Let’s dive in.

The Impact of In-Person Keynote Speeches

I am in Favor of in-person keynote speeches. There is an undeniable energy when standing on stage and looking into the audience. The connection you can feel and how you can tailor your message according to the audience and its reception. It might be daunting to stay physically on stage, but it is exciting and magical.

Stronger emotional connection—you can feel it, sense it. You can establish eye contact and rapport, and an immediate reaction to your speech can be felt. Body language and movement on stage enhance your speech. It is more impactful, I feel, as someone who loves being on stage and using it fully, moving from one side to another.

Networking opportunities and building connections – in-person speaking engagements allow the speaker to respond to the needs of the audience, allow space for interaction, and create an incredible bond between the speaker and the participants. After the speech, the speaker would usually be available for questions, which is the part I like, as humans always have their challenges and questions to ask you for advice or further input.

Experiences to be remembered – the travel, meeting new people in person, new places, the stage, and the venue, make it an immersive experience for the speaker and the audience. I like to use music and aroma, allowing multi-sensory experiences on stage and enhancing my speech, and this is a great adventure for my audience. Moreover, I invite my audience to move, stand up, shake their body, and visualize, which is only possible by being physically on stage. The immersive experience is felt with the whole body, mind, and soul.

Yet, in-person speaking engagements have limitations in terms of logistics, investment, and time. Sometimes, it is much more practical to be online, as you can reach the world.

The Rise of Online Keynote Speeches

Virtual Keynote speaking has made a shift for the better regarding inclusivity, being available over all time zones and geographies. A keynote speaker, like me, can reach the audience from anywhere in the world.

Here are some advantages:

Global Reach—Barriers are removed for the audience and the speaker. Your message can reach any country, any time zone, and anywhere you are located.
Cost-effective—You don’t need to travel or stay in accommodation, so companies save money.
Sustainability and Convenience—your audience can dial in from the comfort of their home, reducing their carbon footprint, which makes it time-efficient and practical.
Scalability—A virtual audience can be any size and in any location, which might make it challenging in person to find a suitable venue for a reasonable price.

What if we could combine both?

Let’s go into the world of Hybrid:

As technology evolves, we have seen both options converging to reach both audiences, preferring one to another. This allows for scalability, inclusivity, and the full physical experience for the speaker and the participants.

Global outreach in person and virtual – participants have the freedom to choose how they want to join, which allows for inclusivity and equity.
On-demand access – Keynote speeches can be recorded and used for further reference and as a repository. I often download my speeches on my YouTube Channel: (9) Life & Career Catalyst – YouTube, increasing longevity and impact.
Engagement tools—With the different technologies we have at our fingertips, we can engage in breakout rooms, chat for questions, and engage with the audience online in the now and then. Polls, mentimeter, and many more options of technology, transform the online experience into an almost live experience.

What is the outlook here?

Final thoughts on the future of keynote speaking

More cutting-edge technology, such as holograms and immersive environments, are on the rise to enhance the experience of keynote speaking, whether online or on stage.

That presents the challenge and pressure for the speaker to be more engaging, energy-driven, and impactful with the words and message they want to convey. The keynote speaker needs to be dynamic, flexible, and able to adapt to both worlds.

Companies’ sustainable considerations will be used as they weigh out the environmental impact versus the impact on stage, whether it makes sense and is rational. Travel expenses and carbon footprint will play a massive role in how to engage with the keynote speaker.

In both cases, delivering your message as a keynote speaker is essential to move your audience to action, provoke critical thinking, and question themselves. The format may evolve as technology does, but the essence is the same.

As keynote speakers, we need to be flexible, adapt to the needs of our listeners, innovate, stay current with the latest trends, and embrace challenges as new opportunities for outreach. So, what is your take on in-person, virtual, and hybrid? Let’s keep the conversation going!